National Institute of Culture and History

The President of NICH, Mr. Albert Vaughan, and team had a productive courtesy visit with Ambassador Amino C. Y. Chi of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the NICH Office in Belize City. 🇧🇿🤝🏼🇹🇼

The exchange covered Taiwan's valued support of Belize's cultural development, NICH's national priorities, and exciting areas for future cultural cooperation.

Representing NICH:
• Albert Vaughan — President, NICH
• Eluide Miller — Administrator, NICH & Deputy Mayor of Belize City
• Yasser Musa — Advisor to the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Ministry of Culture
• Jaylan Craig — Member, NICH Board of Directors
• Rolando Cocom — Director, ISCR-NICH

Representing the Republic of China (Taiwan):
• Ambassador Amino C. Y. Chi
• Mars Wang — Deputy Counselor

We appreciate the strong friendship between our two countries and remain committed to advancing cultural diplomacy and development.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗛 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗖𝗗𝗔 🇧🇿🤝🏼🇯🇵

President Albert Vaughan had the pleasure of welcoming Ambassador Ryosuke Yamakura of Japan, for a cordial and insightful exchange this week.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to become better acquainted, acknowledge Japan's generous support of Belize's cultural development, and explore shared goals and areas of mutual cultural cooperation.

We are grateful for the Ambassador's time and look forward to strengthening the partnership between Japan and Belize in the cultural sphere.

The NICH team at the visit also included:
• Eluide Miller — Administrator of NICH & Deputy Mayor of Belize City
• Yasser Musa — Advisor to the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Ministry of Culture
• Arreini Palacio-Morgan — Member, NICH Board of Directors and Gen-Sec of Belize UNESCO Commission
• Rolando Cocom — Director, ISCR-NICH

NICH remains committed to fostering meaningful international partnerships that support the cultural development of Belize.

NICH is a proud sponsor of the 17th Annual Flowers Bank Creole and Heritage Festival.🙌🏼

We invite all to save the date and join the community in celebration of their Kriol cultural heritage.

The energy, pride and support on display at the Golden Night Festival of Arts in Cayo was truly inspiring. Parents, teachers and communities came together in a powerful celebration of Belize’s young talent, creativity and culture.

From spectacular performances to packed audiences, the National Festival of Arts continues to showcase the importance of investing in our children and the arts. 🎭✨

This past week, the Institute of Creative Arts under the National Institute of Culture and History officially launched the Literary Submissions Publication for the National Festival of Arts, a collection celebrating the creativity, imagination, and talent of students from across Belize. The publication features an inspiring range of poems, short stories, and reflections that highlight the diverse voices and experiences of young Belizeans.

The publication reflects NICH’s continued commitment to fostering literacy, creative expression, and the arts while providing young writers with a meaningful platform to share their work. Mr Yasser Musa, NICH Advisor, and Ms Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, presented the publications to the students.

The event also saw the return of visual arts to the National Festival of Arts. The students toured the exhibit which was curated by Artist Gilvano Swasey and features the works of over 45 of their very own peers.

Through the National Festival of Arts, students are encouraged to develop their talents and contribute to the cultural and literary landscape of Belize.

Last week, a team from NICH led by President Albert Vaughan, visited the beautiful village of Barranco for a preliminary site visit for the proposed Andy Palacio Monument. 📍

This important initiative represents another step in preserving and honouring the enduring legacy of the late Andy Palacio, whose contributions to Belizean music, culture, and Garifuna heritage continue to inspire generations.

As the project progresses, NICH will engage in consultations with the family of Andy Palacio, the National Garifuna Council (NGC), the Battle of the Drums Secretariat, the community of Barranco, Garifuna organizations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the monument reflects the collective vision and cultural significance of this tribute.

The President of NICH was supported by, Board Director, Mrs Arreini Palacio-Morgan, Advisor Yasser Musa and Administrator Eluide Miller.

The coordination of this initiative is being done alongside Dr Hon. Osmond Martinez, Area Representative for Toledo East. 🙌🏼

🌱✨ The GR-EEN Kid's Club ✨🌱

Join our Kids Garden Club on May 27, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. — a special space where children can grow with Nature, Culture, and Creativity. 🌿🎨📚

Through gardening, storytelling, recycling, and traditional knowledge, we are planting the seeds for a greener and more creative future while building young environmental advocates for our community. 🌎💚

Powered in collaboration with the Department of Enviornment thought its "Outreach Program", Ministry of Agriculture, CACHE Benque

📍Register by May 24th, 2026
📲 Scan the QR code and become a member today!

Together, we grow traditions, protect nature, and inspire the next generation. 🌱

The Belize Electricity Limited and the National Institute of Culture and History has commissioned a new solar power system at the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve, electrifying the site for the first time since its opening almost 30 years ago.

The installed system comprises a 10 kW inverter paired with a 11.00 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) array, capable of generating up to 1,500 kWh of clean energy per month. This is complemented by a 21 kWh battery storage system, which enables reliable power supply during nighttime hours and periods of low solar generation.

Key benefits include:
• Digital Integration: Enabling the expansion of e-ticketing and modern communication systems.
• Enhanced Experience: Improving onsite services for visitors and working conditions for safety stakeholders.
• Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint of one of Belize’s most visited heritage sites.

This partnership underscores a joint commitment to cultural preservation and renewable energy, ensuring the long-term protection of Xunantunich for future generations.

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